My name is Glory Kawira, and I am from the YWCA of Meru. I am excited to share my story with you, hoping it will inspire others just as much as the journey has inspired me. This journey has not only redefined my approach to leadership but has also deeply enriched my experience as a mother.
This is my story, and I hope it resonates with many young women.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was completing an internship at a hotel in Nairobi. When the hotels closed, I returned home, uncertain of what lay ahead. Two months later, I discovered I was pregnant. The news came as a shock—I hadn’t graduated yet, and a child wasn’t part of my immediate plans. My dreams felt derailed, and I was overwhelmed by a sense of failure despite having a support system.
On February 2, 2021, my son, Bryce was born.
That day marked a profound shift in my life. The past months’ stress and uncertainty faded as I held him in my arms. I realised then that life was never going to be the same. Motherhood awakened a new strength within me, a purpose I hadn’t fully understood before. The dreams I thought I had lost began evolving, intertwining with the joy and fulfilment my son brought into my life.
The challenges remained, and it was not an easy road to travel, but now it was accompanied by a deep sense of happiness and determination. Motherhood gave me a reason to rise above my fears, reshaping my future in ways I never imagined. Motherhood gave me the courage and the drive to give my all in whatever I pursued.
In November 2021, a friend invited me to a training session at the YWCA Meru Branch. I did not fully understand the idea behind this women’s empowerment Christian organisation, but I was excited to be a part of it. Having just had my baby, staying at home had become tiring, so this opportunity came at a perfect time. Little did I know it would be life-changing for me.
I was introduced to the YW4A programme and, as part of the first cohort, I became a Trainer of Trainers (ToT). During these community trainings, I discovered that I was not only teaching other women about self-awareness and their rights but was also embarking on my own journey of self-discovery.
This journey was not the result of a conscious decision I made one morning; rather, it was a gradual process sparked by a series of events that forced me to look inward. I began questioning who I really was, what rights I had, how these rights fit within my reality, and how I could strengthen my leadership—not based on the expectations of my family or society, but on what I truly desired deep in my heart.
I started exploring my passions, fears, and dreams. One of the most transformative experiences during this journey was learning to embrace vulnerability. As a Capricorn, I was accustomed to building walls around myself, afraid to show weakness or admit that I did not have everything figured out. However, once we created a safe space with my FEMspace members, I realised that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a source of strength. It allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level and see myself more clearly.
Through YW4A, I conducted a programme for individuals with mental disabilities, where we engaged in dialogue with teachers, parents, and area managers about issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) related to special needs children. We emphasized the importance of parents being more available and creating friendships with their children so they would feel comfortable opening up about harassment, assaults, and rapes. This has been one of the most sensitive programmes I have ever been involved in. It was confirmed that many of these cases go unreported, especially in rural areas where such topics are rarely discussed. I am truly grateful to the YWCA for helping me understand the need to advocate, act together, and share leadership. I have learned to stand courageously for my rights and hold myself accountable.
Through YW4A, I had the privilege of being part of the inaugural cohort of a year-long mentorship programme at the National Board. Initially, I saw the board as a highly intense and formal body, but my experience has shown me that it comprises compassionate individuals dedicated to driving the organisation forward. These leaders have guided me with care and wisdom, allowing me to grow confidently in my leadership journey. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and eager to continue expanding my leadership skills to higher levels.
This journey has been truly remarkable, and I am confident it will take me to new heights.
We are living examples of effective leadership because of our joint efforts. Thank you for this incredible journey and for enabling me to be an active part of it.
